From Resilience to Renaissance: The Oneida Nation of Wisconsin’s Economic Odyssey
ONEIDA, WI – The story of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin is a powerful testament to resilience, self-determination, and the transformative power of strategic economic development. From a history marked by displacement, forced assimilation, and economic hardship, the Oneida people have meticulously built a diverse and thriving economy that not only sustains their community but also contributes significantly to the wider regional landscape. This journey, often spearheaded by the advent of tribal gaming, is far more complex than just casino revenue; it’s a narrative of cultural revitalization, community reinvestment, and a steadfast commitment to the future of their people.
For generations, the Oneida Nation, like many Indigenous communities across North America, endured systemic policies that stripped them of their land, resources, and sovereignty. By the mid-20th century, poverty was rampant, unemployment soared, and vital services were scarce. The future for the Oneida people, once a mighty agricultural and political force, seemed bleak.
"Our elders remember times of immense struggle, when our people had to leave the reservation just to find work, often in deplorable conditions," recalls Debra Thundercloud, a tribal historian and elder. "There was a deep longing to bring our children home, to rebuild our community, and to preserve what little we had left of our culture."
The turning point arrived with the advent of tribal gaming in the late 1980s, following the passage of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) in 1988. This landmark federal legislation affirmed the rights of sovereign tribal nations to conduct gaming operations on their lands. For the Oneida, who had already been operating a modest bingo hall since 1976, IGRA opened the doors to larger-scale casino operations.
The Oneida Casino, initially a humble establishment, rapidly expanded, becoming a cornerstone of the Nation’s economic strategy. Its location near Green Bay, a metropolitan area, proved to be a significant advantage. The revenue generated was immediate and substantial, but the Nation’s leaders understood that this was not merely about profit.
"Gaming wasn’t just about revenue; it was about reclaiming our sovereignty and building a foundation for our future on our terms," states Chairman Tehassi Hill of the Oneida Nation. "Every dollar earned through the casino was earmarked for essential services that the federal government had historically failed to provide: healthcare, education, housing, elder care, and cultural programs. It was, and still is, a means to an end – the well-being of our people."
The impact was profound. Unemployment rates plummeted, and tribal members, many for the first time, found stable, well-paying jobs within their own community. The Nation began to invest heavily in infrastructure, building new schools, a modern health center, and affordable housing. Language immersion programs, cultural centers, and traditional arts initiatives flourished, breathing new life into the Oneida language and ancestral practices that had been suppressed for generations.
However, the Oneida Nation’s leadership understood the inherent volatility of the gaming industry. Relying solely on one economic engine, no matter how robust, was a risk they were unwilling to take. This foresight led to a concerted and sustained effort toward economic diversification, a strategy that has defined their growth for the past two decades.
"We knew we couldn’t put all our eggs in one basket," explains Joanie Buckley, Oneida Nation’s Director of Economic Development. "True economic resilience means having multiple streams of income, insulated from market fluctuations. Our goal was to create a sustainable economy that could support our people for the next seven generations, a core Oneida principle."
The diversification strategy has been comprehensive and ambitious. Beyond gaming, the Oneida Nation now operates a vast portfolio of enterprises, including:
- Hospitality: The Oneida Nation owns and operates several hotels, including the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center Green Bay (which includes the Oneida Casino), and the Wingate by Wyndham Green Bay. These ventures complement their gaming operations and provide a broader range of services to visitors and the local community.
- Retail: The Nation has invested in retail plazas and convenience stores, serving both tribal members and the surrounding areas, creating jobs and meeting local demand.
- Manufacturing and Construction: The Oneida Nation has ventured into manufacturing, with entities like Oneida ESC Group, an environmental and engineering consulting firm, and Oneida Retail and Display, which specializes in custom retail fixtures. Oneida Construction Services handles a variety of construction projects.
- Technology and Services: Recognizing the evolving economic landscape, the Nation has also explored technology-driven enterprises and professional services, leveraging their skilled workforce.
- Agriculture and Land Management: Returning to their roots as an agricultural people, the Oneida Nation has also focused on sustainable land management, including the Oneida Community Integrated Food Systems, which promotes healthy eating and food sovereignty through its cannery, farm, and apple orchard. This initiative not only provides food but also educates the community on traditional agricultural practices.
This strategic diversification has created thousands of jobs, not just for Oneida tribal members but also for non-Native residents in the greater Green Bay area. The Oneida Nation has become one of the largest employers in Northeastern Wisconsin, generating significant tax revenue and contributing to the local economy through wages, purchases, and tourism.
"Our economic success isn’t just about our bottom line; it’s about the ripple effect it has," says Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich. "The Oneida Nation is a vital economic partner in our region. Their enterprises provide jobs, attract tourists, and their commitment to community support through philanthropy and partnerships is truly commendable."
Indeed, the Oneida Nation’s commitment extends far beyond its reservation borders. The Nation frequently partners with local governments, schools, and non-profits on various initiatives, from infrastructure projects to educational programs. They are significant contributors to local charities and community events, embodying the spirit of reciprocity that is central to Oneida culture.
Yet, the journey has not been without its formidable challenges. Economic downturns, increased competition from other gaming venues, and the ever-present complexities of navigating federal and state regulations have tested the Nation’s resolve. The COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, presented unprecedented hurdles, forcing the temporary closure of many enterprises and highlighting the need for even greater economic agility.
"We faced an existential threat during the pandemic, like many businesses," explains Chairman Hill. "But our diversified portfolio and strong financial management allowed us to weather the storm better than many. It reinforced our belief that continued diversification, innovation, and prudent financial planning are absolutely critical."
Looking ahead, the Oneida Nation remains steadfast in its vision for sustainable prosperity. Future plans include further investment in technology, renewable energy, and continued expansion of their hospitality and food systems. There’s also a strong emphasis on fostering entrepreneurship among tribal members, encouraging a new generation to build businesses that align with Oneida values.
"Our vision extends far beyond the next quarter. It’s about ensuring prosperity for the next seven generations, rooted in our values of respect, reciprocity, and responsibility," affirms Anya Elm, a young Oneida entrepreneur who recently launched a digital marketing firm. "It’s about creating a future where our children can thrive on their own land, speak our language, and know their history, without having to leave to find opportunity."
The Oneida Nation of Wisconsin stands today as a powerful example of Indigenous self-determination in action. Their economic success is not just a story of financial growth but a profound narrative of cultural resurgence, community empowerment, and the enduring strength of a people determined to shape their own destiny. From the ashes of historical oppression, the Oneida Nation has risen, building an economic renaissance that serves as a beacon of hope and a model for sustainable development across Indian Country.
